World’s first study to evaluate live 3D holographic imaging in interventional cardiology completed

30th October 2013

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Royal Philips and RealView Imaging have announced that they have completed a clinical study that has demonstrated the feasibility of using an innovative live 3D holographic visualisation and interaction technology to guide minimally-invasive structural heart disease procedures.

In addition to viewing the patient’s heart on a 2D screen, doctors in the interventional team were able to view detailed dynamic 3D holographic images of the heart ‘floating in free space’ during a minimally-invasive structural heart disease procedure, without using special eyewear. The doctors were also able to manipulate the projected 3D heart structures by touching the holographic volumes in front of them. The study demonstrated the potential of the technology to enhance the context and guidance of structural heart repairs.

“The holographic projections enabled me to intuitively understand and interrogate the 3D spatial anatomy of the patient’s heart, as well as to navigate and appreciate the device-tissue interaction during the procedure,” says Einat Birk, paediatric cardiologist and director of the Institute of Pediatric Cardiology at Schneider Children’s Medical Center.

Elchanan Bruckheimer, paediatric cardiologist and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, adds: “The ability to reach into the image and apply markings on the soft tissue anatomy in the X-ray and 3D ultrasound images would be extremely useful for guidance of these complex procedures.”

The results of this pilot study were scheduled to be presented by Bruckheimer at the 25th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference in San Francisco, USA

(27 October–1 November).

“Our ultimate goal is to create the future of healthcare by delivering innovative solutions that enhance clinical capabilities and improve patient outcomes,” said Bert van Meurs, General Manager of Integrated Clinical Solutions and Marketing for Imaging Systems at Philips Healthcare. “By teaming up with partners that share our passion for innovation, we have been able to demonstrate the feasibility and potential value of the world’s first holographic visualisation technology targeted at guiding minimally invasive cardiac procedures.”

“I see clear indications that 3D medical holography will play an important role in medical imaging in the near future,” said Aviad Kaufman, CEO of RealView Imaging. “With the advancement of live 3D imaging and increasing clinical evidence of its value for a variety of procedures, we are convinced that our holographic technology will further enhance 3D imaging and, most importantly, improve patient care.”